Ten teams are ready to spell their way to a win Tuesday at the Third Annual Ionia County Literacy Council's Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee at Ionia High School.

The purpose of the fun event is to bring awareness to a serious subject: the need to support literacy across Ionia County, especially as funding for literacy programs shrinks but the demand continues to grow, said Cynthia Talcott, Ionia County Literacy Council executive director.

“Sometimes we take for granted that everyone can spell and read. Many people in our community can’t,” she said. “We keep getting more and more students. There is a need out there, and it’s growing as people hear about the literacy council.”

Talcott added that it is important to reach out to communities throughout the county, not just in Ionia.

“So many people need help. We keep telling them to get jobs, but they can’t read,” she said. “We need tutors and support from the entire community, neighbors helping neighbors.”

Talcott said the need for tutors is especially great in the age group of 16 to 22, where many individuals are not able to take the GED because they can’t read the test, and for those who are 50 and up.

“They kept it a secret that they couldn’t read, and didn’t want to tell anyone and reach out for help,” she said. “People are more comfortable talking about it now.”

The Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee event will begin at 6 p.m. with a dinner. Those who plan to attend the dinner should RSVP by emailing ionialiteracy@gmail.com or by calling 616-527-1360.

The competition will follow at 7 p.m. Ionia County ISD Superintendent Robert Kjolhede will serve as the emcee, and ISD State and Federal Programs and Science Consultant Julie Milewski will be the word pronouncer.

A silent auction also will take place starting at 8 p.m., with items donated by local businesses and individuals. Money raised will benefit the Ionia County Literacy Council.

The three-member teams participating in the spelling bee are from Michigan One Credit Union, Sozo Coffee Roasting and Espresso Bar, Astera Credit Union, Ionia Rotary, Portland Adult Education, Firstbank, Ionia County officials, Cargill Kitchen Solutions, Independent Bank and a team of people “who haven’t decided on a name yet,” said Talcott.